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Questions Answered by Ellaretha Coleman
3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Georgia on
Q: What are my options? Husband had multiple affairs, The last one caused him to abandon our family. Im 8mnths pregnant.

He left 2 months after finding out we were pregnant with our second child together. I have a son from a previous relationship (he did not adopt) and our daughter is 19 months old. I lost my home since he left me with bills and has contributed $425 from the time he left which was May of this year. I... View More

Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Nov 18, 2019

You need to consult an experienced family law attorney to file the divorce and seek temporary support from your husband.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Is there anything to allow me to see or have contact with my husband in jail? Hes facing kidnapping charges for taking
Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Nov 18, 2019

Your status does not state whether you are the alleged victim of the kidnapping. If you are the alleged victim, there will likely be conditions prohibiting him from having contact with you. If you are not the alleged victim, you will need to follow the visitation protocols of the facility where... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Georgia on
Q: If I have a baby at 17 in Georgia, am I now legally emancipated? I know in some states I am but I'm not sure about here.

I have a baby in Feb and turn 18 in July. Me and my grandparent's don't get along and the environment of us argueing isn't good for my baby. They have no problem with me moving out, I just need to know if I can legally without an emancipation trial because nobody had time for that.

Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Nov 7, 2019

Have the child alone, does not emancipate you. However, your grandparents, if they are your legal guardians, can grant permission for you to move out without the court's involvement.

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Georgia on
Q: What are the steps I can take to stay out of contempt of court when I have no money to pay for Lawyer filings?

I lost my job and can't pay $3K / mo. Alimony. The divorce was filed and judged w Dekalb County Superior court, GA. I now live in Portsmouth VA the X-wife live in Dekalb County.

How do I petition the court after a major reduction in income?

Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Nov 7, 2019

If the alimony is modifiable, you will need to file a petition to modify the alimony obligation. You will need to show that you have had a material change in circumstances with your income and show where you have tried to replace the lost income.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Georgia on
Q: What law do I state for my motion to reschedule a hearing date in a child support hearing due to job training
Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 28, 2019

You will need to cite the reason for the request. All requests for continuances are up to the discretion of the judge.

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Child custody & divorce. Nightmare of years. He left myself & daughter. Then started court battle. Drained resources.

He was abusive. Now I believe he is abusive or neglectful to our daughter. She reports threats towards me. He litigates. Wins bc his lawyer is fraudulent. How do I prove these things? Is he allowed to get a final decree without disclosing his financial information? Does he have to pay to support... View More

Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 24, 2019

I agree with my colleague. We would need more information to answer your questions. You definitely need to consult with an experienced attorney to discuss your options.

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Georgia on
Q: I'm paying child support for my 5 kids but the mother doesn't have any of them. I have 2 kids how can I stop the orde

The mother is receiving the money but isnt giving any money for my kids. What can I do to stop her from getting this money?

Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 22, 2019

You will need to file a modification action to stop the existing order.

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2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: I am needing to help with filling custody and adoption paperwork for nephew and niece. We live in GA but case in TN.

Mother of children is in TN state rehab facility for women. Would like to patition the state of TN for legal custody and adoption of nephew.

Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 21, 2019

If the case is pending in TN, you will need a TN licensed attorney.

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Does CPS have the right to come in and take my child because I i failed a hair follicle drug test
Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 21, 2019

Possibly. It would depend on the specific facts of your case. If you have concerns with an investigation initiated by the Department of Children and Family Services, you should immediately consult with an attorney to determine your rights and options.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Georgia on
Q: Percentage of attorneys fees in ga can a judge award
Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 17, 2019

There is no set amount that a judge can order in attorney's fees. The amount will be dependent on the specific facts of each case.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Georgia on
Q: What is the percentage in ga. Can a judge award in attorney's fees?
Ellaretha Coleman
PREMIUM
Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 17, 2019

There is no set amount that a judge can order in attorney's fees. The amount will be dependent on the specific facts of each case.

3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Georgia on
Q: If I want nothing to do with a child or the woman what do I do?
Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 17, 2019

Even if you want no personal relationship with the child, you can still be ordered to pay child support for a child that is biologically yours.

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Georgia on
Q: My rights were terminated about 2 and half years ago! Is it possible that I can reinstate my parental rights
Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 17, 2019

No, once your parental rights have been terminate, that order of termination is permanent.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Georgia on
Q: If you've been ordered to provide medical insurance, can you put them on Medicaid?

My health plan through my employer doesn't pay until I've met the deductible, and all this out of pocket is breaking me financially.

Ellaretha Coleman
PREMIUM
Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 15, 2019

If you qualify for medicaid and are able to obtain coverage in that manner, that would meet the requirement to provide health care coverage.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: is there a time limit to reopen a divorce case in GA ?
Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 15, 2019

There is a three year statute of limitations to bring a motion to set aside a final divorce decree.

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: If I have temporary custody of 3 grandchildren and the 4 was just born and dfcs took custody of the 4th will i get him?

Dad is in a boot camp mom is unfit Dad wants him to live with me also

Ellaretha Coleman
PREMIUM
Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 7, 2019

You will likely get custody of the 4th child as well provided you have the ability to care for a 4th child. DFCS will typically try to keep siblings together.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Georgia on
Q: Enforcing order, Grprt have kids I'm suppose to get calls everyday, dont answer. They lied to dfcs to get custody of the

When they do answer they claim the kids dont wanna talk to me and are scared of me. I've never showed anything but love towards my children and when they left my possession they very much didnt want to go, it was hard. Within a week they had my kids saying hurtful things to me and being rude... View More

Ellaretha Coleman
PREMIUM
Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 7, 2019

Given the circumstances, you should consult with an attorney to discuss your options on filing a contempt or modification of custody action.

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Divorce for Georgia on
Q: im looking to get a divorce she has a son that i didnt adopt but changed his last name how would that affect me

we have been married since 12-30-17 got a house,cars aswell but main concern is her son since he is not mine if i have to pay child for her child that is already getting child support

Ellaretha Coleman
PREMIUM
Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 7, 2019

You will not be ordered to pay child support for the child as you are not his legal or biological father.

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: My ex-husband divorced me by public notice. Search aff. Not included. I was never served but he knew my add,phn#, and I.

He did this as a dirty move bc I was the house wife and he was the big breadwinner. And his attempt to avoid to pay me anything. I moved to hide from him 3 hours away.. (previous attempt iwas stalked) .. he removed me from joint checking account and other Marital assets. I had no idea this was... View More

Ellaretha Coleman
PREMIUM
Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 4, 2019

If you have evidence that your spouse fraudulently obtained a divorce by publication against you when he knew your whereabouts, you should immediately consult with an attorney to discuss your options of setting aside the divorce.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: In Ga, what’s the law regarding kids being questioned at school by police/DFACS? Right to be notified after?
Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Oct 3, 2019

In Georgia, a minor may be questioned by law enforcement or a representative of DFCS without prior notification to a parent.

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